Canon Selphy CP600

Back in the olden days, amateur photographers would trek down to the local chemist to drop off their films, then return a few hours later to pick up the snaps. Frankly it's hard to believe they didn't complain about the hassle, but at the time they didn't realise how convenient it could be to own a printer specifically for photos, and do it all at home. Canon's CP600 is the latest model in the company's Selphy range of dedicated photo printers. When we first looked at the CP500, the 600's predecessor, back in the February 05 issue, we were impressed both by the quality of the results and the economical running costs it offered.

Back in the olden days, amateur photographers would trek down to the local chemist to drop off their films, then return a few hours later to pick up the snaps. Frankly it's hard to believe they didn't complain about the hassle, but at the time they didn't realise how convenient it could be to own a printer specifically for photos, and do it all at home. Canon's CP600 is the latest model in the company's Selphy range of dedicated photo printers. When we first looked at the CP500, the 600's predecessor, back in the February 05 issue, we were impressed both by the quality of the results and the economical running costs it offered.

This Selphy, like its older sibling, isn't difficult to set up, but there's a hefty instruction manual in case you get stuck. You will need a spare USB cable if you plan to use it in conjunction with your PC, as there isn't one included in the bundle.

If your camera supports PictBridge you can connect it directly to the CP600 using its supplied cable and print out pictures with the minimum of fuss. Infrared is also available so you can print images stored on a supported mobile phone. What you won't find, though, is Bluetooth compatibility or a memory card slot.

Results were as good as those from the CP500, with bright colours and clear images. Each printout from the older model cost 28 pence, and on the new Selphy it's the same. All things considered, we could hardly deny the CP600 a Gold award.

Though it might not be Bluetooth-compatible or have a built-in memory card reader, the Selphy is a very versatile and easy-to-use photo printer. It doesn't cost much to run, either, and even though it lacks an LCD screen you don't need a PC to be able to produce high-quality prints with it.

At first glance, the Canon Selphy CP790 snapshot printer looks more like a lime-green lunch box. With its convenient handle, it begs you to take it to your next children's party or family get-together. The trade-offs are a high purchase price and oddly designed, wasteful consumables.

The Canon Selphy CP780 snapshot photo printer has its problems - namely, mediocre speed and expensive, wasteful consumables. But its purchase price is very low and its design is simple, making it a good choice for light home use.

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